Vans Introduces the New UltraRange VR3: Rethinking the Journey and How to Get There

Aug 11 22 under General Release | Comments Off

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Vans, the original action sports footwear and apparel brand, is taking the next step on a journey to sustainable footwear with the new UltraRange™ VR3. Every little bit helps, which is why Vans re-thought the UltraRange VR3 with sustainability in mind, from the materials to how it’s built— because how we get there is just as important as where we’re going.

Committed to reducing impact on the planet for future generations, Vans is reinforcing its sustainability goals with the UltraRange VR3, which follows Vans strict materials guidelines with one or a combination of regenerative, responsibly sourced renewable, and recycled materials that make up at least 30% of the product.

As part of the creative journey, Vans partnered with surfboard shaper Pepe Rivas to understand his approach using reclaimed materials such as leftover foam scraps that occur from the initial surfboard shaping process. Rethinking the materials, process and overall impact, Pepe and Vans share a common goal to reimagine the lifecycle of a product.

The re-engineered and rebuilt UltraRange VR3 has an EcoCush™ midsole made of at least 50% biobased EVA foam partially derived from plant-based sources. The shoe also features Vans all-new EcoWaffle™ rubber compound made with responsibly sourced natural rubber (instead of petroleum-derived synthetic rubber) obtained from sources that follow proven sustainable practices intended to reduce impacts on the planet and is engineered to maintain the grip and durability for which Vans is known. The one-piece knit upper is made from a blend of 50% organic cotton, 36% recycled PET, and 14% recycled nylon. The upper is designed to reduce production waste compared to Vans’ traditional cut and sew uppers, and leverages leather sourced from a tannery rated gold or silver for environmental responsibility by the Leather Working Group. Offered in chive and cobblestone colorways this season, the UltraRange VR3 retains the comfort-driven versatility that’s synonymous with the UltraRange, but with a more responsible approach.

The UltraRange VR3 is available now at Vans retail locations and vans.com/urvr3.

Waffle Heads Summit 2022 – Event Recap

Aug 10 22 under 31 Days of Vans, Events, OTWS, The Authentic Era, UTP, Waffleheads | 1 Comment

This past weekend was our 2nd annual Waffle Heads Summit, put together by Clayton, Ed, Joey, and I (Wearing Waffles, Strictly Waffles, and Under The Palms). While Eddie and Joey had to be there in spirit, due to prior engagements, Clayton and I still managed to hold down the fort, with a little bit of assistance from Renee, Tintin, my nephew Ray, and everyone else I’m failing to mention! We also cannot express our gratitude to Tak and Mike of Blends for allowing us an awesome space to host our gatherings at. Without them, this wouldn’t be an annual thing. Thank you so much guys!

Although the pics may not show it, we had a pretty good turnout throughout the afternoon. Mostly familiar faces, as well as a few new ones. We love to see it. Special shout-out to our buddy Greg, who showed up again this year, who only keeps up to date with us through our website, so Greg, if you’re reading this, leave a comment or email me, so we can keep you in the loop on a normal basis, and just to say hello!

Some folks had to dip out early and they missed out on a very special surprise. We received a special visit from our hero, Steve Van Doren! We were stoked…shocked…humbled. To be honest, I was a little sad that everyone who showed up earlier, wasn’t there to experience it. Hell, I was sad for everyone who couldn’t make it out this year! He spent about a good hour there with us. (It might’ve been 30 minutes, but it felt like an hour lol!). Telling stories about Vans, and going through his camera roll on his phone, showing us a bunch of top secret stuff. Upcoming projects; private projects; personal family pairs; etc. He was catering to the crowd for sure. He knew we were the sneaker fiends, and we were drooling over the stuff he was sharing. We may or may not have been sworn to secrecy. At least it sounds cooler that way, hehe.

Steve has the biggest heart. He’s exactly who you’d imagine him to be. He is the epitome of authenticity, and it’s no surprise he’s an inspiration to many, including me. As you know, he’s been busy for the past few weeks down in Huntington Beach, for the Vans U.S. Open of Surfing, and if you follow him on social media, he’s not just out there sitting around and shaking hands. He’s working the booths. He’s grilling. He’s constantly on the move, all while trying to beat the brutal heat this past week. After a full Saturday of doing all that, he took time out to show up to our gathering, and chop it up about Vans. He even supported Blends and purchased a pair of Vaults! Extremely humbling, and his day wasn’t even over after that. He still had to go back to Vans HQ to do some more filming for another project! We’re not worthy to say the least. And of course none of this would’ve even happened if it weren’t for our friend Jason. Mahalo again bro. Seriously.

But wait, there’s more! Hehe, so if that wasn’t already a dream come true for us Vans nerds, you’ll be stoked to know that we just might get to host a gathering at Vans HQ next year, centered around our community. It’s all dependent on a few factors, like covid, other priorities, budget, etc., but we’re going to try and push hard to make this happen for us and y’all, so stay tuned! How cool would that be?! Man, we can’t wait. Until then, enjoy a few snapshots from this past weekend’s event, and do everything you can to make it out next year. You won’t want to miss it!

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Friendly Reminder: Waffle Heads Summit 2022 Is Tomorrow! (8.6.22)

Aug 5 22 under 31 Days of Vans, Events, OTWS, The Authentic Era, UTP, Waffleheads | Comments Off

Just a friendly reminder that tomorrow is our 2nd annual Waffle Heads Summit, and this is our open invite to all Waffle Heads who can make it to SoCal! We’ll be gathering at our favorite Vans Vault dealer, and good friends of the Vans fam, over at Blends Costa Mesa. Show up around 2PM and hang with us. Order up some pizza from Kuro Artisanal Pizza, and maybe have a few brews with us afterwards at one of the local breweries, or just hang if you don’t drink. All ages welcome. Hope to see you all there!

Blends Costa Mesa, located inside the LAB Anti-mall at 2930 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Vault by Vans and KITH Launch New “Love Thy Community” Initiative by Partnering with Brooklyn Blooms for Floral-Printed Capsule

Aug 4 22 under Collaborations, Vault | Comments Off

“Love Thy Community” will highlight 6 minority-owned businesses, providing them with the opportunity to design their own sneakers and T-shirts — and keep 100% of the profits.

In the 11 years since its founding, Kith has evolved from a New York City-based footwear retailer to a global retail empire and coveted lifestyle brand. One thing that’s never changed, however, is the importance of community: Kith founder Ronnie Fieg has long strived to uplift and amplify the extended Kith family. Now, Vault by Vans has joined forces with Kith to launch the new “Love Thy Community” initiative, partnering with Brooklyn Blooms for a floral-printed Slip-On and special T-shirt.

Brooklyn Blooms is the first of six minority-owned businesses to be spotlighted in Vault by Vans and Kith’s “Love Thy Community” initiative. The idea for “Love Thy Community” sprouted from Kith’s 10th-anniversary celebrations in 2021: Ronnie Fieg started a KITH Community initiative, which aimed to support local minority-owned businesses by using Kith’s platform to spotlight their wares and stories. Shortly thereafter, Vans, who had started their own small business-focused Foot the Bill initiative in 2020, approached Kith to elevate the Kith Community program, a partnership that resulted in “Love Thy Community.”

The seeds for Brooklyn Blooms were first sewn in 2017 when florist LaParis Phillips opened her first flower shop in Brooklyn’s Bed-Stuy neighborhood. Since then, Phillips’ business has bloomed in full, introducing a second location and becoming known around NYC for their one-of-a-kind floral assortments and welcoming atmosphere.

Brooklyn Blooms’ Slip-On features a custom all-over graphic that’s speckled throughout with bright flowers. Heels with embroidered “BK” and “STL” hits nod to Brooklyn Blooms’ home borough and shop logo — as well as St. Louis, where LaParis is originally from. Further details include “Creating Beautiful Things Out of Beautiful Things,” the shop’s tagline, on the sidewall and a specially printed insole graphic. The capsule’s t-shirt offers a co-branded hit on the front left chest and a large text graphic on the back.

Expect the Vault by Vans x Kith x Brooklyn Blooms “Love Thy Community” capsule to release on August 6 at the Brooklyn Blooms store and Brooklynblooms.com. The other five “Love Thy Community” projects will be rolled out in the coming months.

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Vans Skate x Mike Gigliotti – Collection (7.29.22)

Jul 27 22 under Collaborations, Pro, Skate | Comments Off

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The artist, designer, and skater extraordinaire brings his signature illustrations to the Skate Half Cab and Skate Old Skool plus a Trek Slip-On and matching apparel/accessories.

Artist, designer, skateboarder, and Vans family member Mike Gigliotti is steeped in skate culture. He’s done everything from creating famous board graphics to working with Vans on special collections and open Lotties Skateshop in Los Angeles, one of the West Coast’s most influential skateboarding hubs. Gigliotti is “Off the Wall” through and through, so he’s the perfect partner to reimagine Vans Skateboarding silhouettes, both classic and contemporary, in a new co-created collection.

At the heart of the Vans Skateboarding x Mike Gigliotti collection is the Skate Half Cab, an upgraded version of Steve Caballero’s iconic signature model celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2022. It’s dressed in a familiar two-tone blue color scheme that’s offset by pops of bright red plus a white midsole and laces. Gigliotti knows you don’t need to tamper with a classic too much, so he’s added his custom graphics onto the lateral collar’s tag, debossed them on the heel and tucked them away on the insole’s all-over print as well, letting the familiar mid-cut silhouette speak for itself.

The Half Cab may opt for a more minimalist approach, but the rest of the footwear and apparel in the Vans Skateboarding x Mike Gigliotti collection is awash in colorful prints and patterns. From skulls to barbed wire, roses, and spectral figures, the Skate Old Skool is loaded up with Gigliotti’s signature hand-drawn graphics. It also features a blue/black color scheme that blends two classic Old Skool colorways, split by a red Jazz Stripe. For a finishing touch, insoles boast a cheeky full-color graphic. Both the Skate Half Cab and Skate Old Skool utilize Vans Skateboarding’s finest tech, like responsive, drop-in PopCush midsoles, extra-rugged Duracap midsoles and classic gum rubber outsoles that use a grippy SickStick compound for ultimate board feel.

You’ve got to have your “chillers” to match your skate footwear, so the Vans Skateboarding x Mike Gigliotti collection also heads to the beach with a Trek Slip-On in black that features an all-over red graphic print. This perfect après-skate footwear option is accompanied by matching boardshorts and a beach towel.

The Vans Skateboarding x Mike Gigliotti collection will be released via vans.com/skateboarding and select Vans Skateboarding stockists on July 29. Prices range from $45 to $85.

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Vans Skateboarding Presents Lizzie Armanto’s Latest Head-to-toe Collection: Something Else Entirely For The Next Generation of Skaters (July 2022)

Jul 25 22 under Collaborations, Pro, Skate | Comments Off

DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

This season, Vans delivers the latest update to its newest Skate silhouette, The Lizzie, supported by a head-to-toe all-gender apparel offering created in collaboration with Vans team rider and Olympic skateboarder Lizzie Armanto.

As a trailblazer in skateboarding, Lizzie’s first-ever signature skateboarding shoe by Vans was designed to provide something else entirely for skateboarders whose needs are not being met. The silhouette also represents Vans’ first signature skate shoe designed by a woman in 20 years. Now in its second season, The Lizzie is offered up in a new dirt earth tone, as well as a wide range of sizes that includes kids’, and is supported by Lizzie’s new head-to-toe apparel collection that brings together several staple pieces, providing a completely fresh take for a new generation of skateboarders.

“I believe skateboarding is for everyone,” Lizzie said, “which is why I’m excited to share the ‘Little Lizzie’, along with an all-new inclusive clothing collection.”

The Lizzie features hard-working design elements that are meant to cater to a broader range of skateboarders. The new vulcanized construction features a higher outsole cup and rounded edges for a stable, broken-in feel. The universal fit features the perfect amount of EcoCush™ cushioning, increasing boardfeel for a wider range of skaters while the 3D embossed DURACAP™ toe adds durability in high-wear areas. An all-new micro-waffle tread and Sick-Stick™ rubber offers maximum grip.

This season, Lizzie’s rose graphic design inspiration— debossed on The Lizzie heel counter and appearing throughout the collection— is a nod to the “thank you, have a nice day” reusable bodega bags that come with a friendly reminder to reuse and recycle.

Her signature shoe also received the Vans VR3 designation, meaning it follows strict footwear materials guidelines for all major components. Under the VR3 designation, The Lizzie will always be made in part with organic cotton, natural rubber, and biobased foam. The Lizzie also utilizes suede sourced from Leather Working Group (LWG) tanneries that have been rated gold or silver for environmental responsibility.

The apparel and accessories assortment has been designed in close partnership with Lizzie to create an all-gender offering that mixes her personal style with functional skate details. Her collection is a combination of everyday pieces like the Armanto overalls and tote, including a hand drawn rose graphic that appears across the line. The Armanto overalls feature a relaxed fit made from canvas fabric, with novelty strap detail, a front patch pocket, back metal hardware, logo embroideries and felt patch details. The Armanto long sleeve knit is the perfect everyday piece with timeless rib knit fabric.

A true embodiment of Vans’ DNA, Lizzie Armanto is an icon of originality and positivity. With her down-to-earth, fashion-forward, barrier-breaking approach, it’s no wonder Lizzie has become a role model to skateboarders around the world. Moving to Santa Monica at age 14, Lizzie quickly became a fixture at local skate park The Cove. While she spent every day refining her skateboarding skills, she never imagined it as a career for herself. It is perhaps this humble attitude along with her unrelenting drive that has paved the way for the iconic milestones she’s achieved today. From being the first female to complete Tony Hawk’s 360 Loop, to gracing the covers of TransWorld Skateboarding and Thrasher, and recently competing on the world stage at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Lizzie is setting the tone for a revolution the skateboarding world’s been waiting for.

Vans’ The Lizzie and the Lizzie Armanto collection are available now at Vans Skateboarding retailers and at Vans.com/TheLizzie.

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Vault by Vans x KITH – Needlepoint Pack (7.25.22)

Jul 21 22 under Collaborations, Vault | 1 Comment

Kith reprises its partnership with Vault by Vans to release custom-Kith printed iterations of the OG Classic Slip-On LX and the OG Authentic LX. The collaboration, available in both adult and kids sizing, features Kith Summer 2022 prints: Medallion, Azulejo Tile, and Vintage Rose.

The OG Classic Slip-On LX and the OG Authentic LX are constructed using a woven canvas needlepoint upper adorned with custom prints tying back to Kith Summer 2022 in-line apparel collection. Boxed in custom Kith monogram packaging, both models feature a high foxing vulcanized rubber waffle outsole with co-branding across the insole and medial woven label.

Kith & Kith Kids for Vault by Vans releases this Monday, July 25, at Kith shops, 11 AM EST on Kith.com, 11 AM CET on EU.Kith.com. Kith shops include the SoHo, Brooklyn, Miami, Los Angeles, Tokyo, Paris, and Hawaii flagships.

The OG Authentic LX and Classic Slip-On LX are available in both men’s & women’s sizing, retailing at $110 USD each. The OG Classic Slip-On will also be available in pre-school sizing at $55 USD, with the OG Authentic LX with elastic lacing available in toddler sizing at $50 USD.

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Vans x Alva Skates – “45th Anniversary” Authentic 44 DX (7.20.22)

Jul 20 22 under 31 Days of Vans, Collaborations, DX | 1 Comment

Founded by skateboarding legend and long-time Vans Team Rider Tony Alva, Alva Skates has supercharged the sport with California-made boards since 1977. In celebration of their 45th Anniversary, we partnered with Alva Skates to create an exclusive team shoe featuring sponsor-style logos and colors inspired by the Alva Skates 45th Anniversary Skateboard.

With vintage details like suede and canvas uppers and an Authentic 44 DX build, this elevated classics model brings the rich heritage of Alva Skates and Vans to life in a limited release only for Vans Family. Alva Skates Pair with the Alva Skates 45th Anniversary Long Sleeve Tee.

Side note: This release is similar to last year’s Red/Duct Tape Skate Half Cab, exclusive to the Vans Family, and in some sort of way, brought to everybody by way of the Vans Community and our annual #31daysofvans celebration. That’s why Kyle’s artwork for this year included a graphic of this shoe! Although, we still haven’t gotten Vans to officially make us up something for us, designed by us, we still have hope that maybe one day that will happen!

The shoes are now up on the Vans site for $100, and the long sleeve tee is $45.

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Vault By Vans x Joe Freshgoods – “The Honeymoon Stage” OG Style 36 LX (Online Release 7.14.22)

Jul 13 22 under Collaborations, Vault | Comments Off

This month, Vault by Vans welcomed acclaimed designer and creative director, Joe “Freshgoods” Robinson to the family. The West Side, Chicago native brings his penchant for storytelling and design together to unveil a three-piece Vault by Vans footwear offering. The OG footwear lineup was first unveiled during the opening of Freshgoods’ latest retail concept store, ‘Every Now & Then’ located at 1008 W. Lake, Unit 2, Chicago IL 60607. The retail and resource space location will serve as a creative space and gallery for all of Joe’s projects. The final drop of “The Honeymoon Stage” pack will go on-sale tomorrow, Thursday, July 14 at 12pm CST at joefreshgoods.com

“It’s always been a goal of mine to partner with iconic brands, it’s one of those things I never thought I would get the chance to do. When it comes to classic streetwear, I feel like at some point in your career you have to have a Vault by Vans collab—it’s an iconic brand with iconic silhouettes,” says Joe Robinson, creative director of Joe Freshgoods. “It’s dope to be able to lend our culture and where we come from to such an enigmatic brand— to become a part of that legacy. It’s going to be a really big year for us and I’m excited to see all of these ideas come to life.”

For his debut Vault by Vans designs, Joe Freshgoods put his signature aesthetic onto the OG Style 36 LX. The Honeymoon Stage Pack is available in three colorways including red, khaki and pink, a nod to his signature intro colorways. The Sidestripe emblazoned silhouette unites Vault by Vans and Joe Freshgoods through an update to the brand’s signature checkerboard print with JFG initials printed amongst the checks and a tonal leather Sidestripe. Each model showcases gentle suede uppers with pigskin leather binding, a vintage marshmallow outsole and tonal Vault by Vans heel scab.

To help launch the collection, Joe Freshgoods tapped Chicago comedian Korporate to review his first collaboration with Vault by Vans, a comedic approach to the reviews his releases have garnered. Watch Korporate’s hot take on the release: HERE

The Vault by Vans and Joe Freshgoods “The Honeymoon Stage” pack will be available on July 14, 2022 at 12pm CST on JoeFreshgoods.com.

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Anderson .Paak Celebrates Vans’ Most Iconic Footwear Styles In the “Classic Since Forever” Campaign

Jul 11 22 under Celebs, General Release | Comments Off

DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

The Vans Global Music Ambassador and collaborator shows his love for the brand’s most iconic styles in a light-hearted video and lookbook

Anderson .Paak harbors a deep knowledge of (and appreciation for) the classics. Be it music-making or his “Vanderson” collection with Vans, .Paak’s projects pay homage to icons of the past by fusing the lessons their art offers with his unique methods of creative expression. Bringing past and present together in such a way is no small feat, and the eight-time Grammy-award winning artist and Vans Global Music Ambassador’s inherent, tasteful method of doing so is one of the qualities that makes him so special.

Anderson .Paak is “Off the Wall” through and through, and his boundless creativity and playfully rebellious spirit are spotlighted in the new “Classic Since Forever” campaign.

In 2007, .Paak, then an ambitious 21-year-old, left his hometown of Oxnard, California and headed to Hollywood to enroll in drumming school. He needed a job to help pay his tuition and he found one as a retail sales associate at a Vans store in Los Angeles’ Canoga Park neighborhood. Now, 15 years fully committed to a life in music and joining the Vans family, he’s achieved the highest level of musical success.

Even after eleven Grammy nominations and eight victories, .Paak understands the importance of sticking true to his roots and trusting his taste, much like the Vans Classics line. Consisting of Vans’ most timeless styles — the Authentic, Era, Slip-On, Sk8 Hi and Old Skool, some of which were included in the recent “Vanderson” collection — all done up in familiar color schemes, the Vans Classics line was made for free spirits, innovators, creators, and anyone anywhere in the world with an “Off the Wall” mindset of their own.

Each pair in the Vans Classics line is spotlighted in a new lookbook and short video that shows .Paak drumming in full ‘70s-inspired Silk Sonic regalia, including his signature mushroom wig. The pairs shown in the video are available now via Vans.com/classics. More Vans ambassadors will join the “Classic Since Forever” initiative in the coming months as well, with model Paloma Elsesser set to front the Fall campaign.

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